Considering Pediatric Massage? Know Your Facts First

Children are different from adults in numerous ways, and as such, so is the pediatric massage practice.

Benefits of Pediatric Massage

Massage can promote relaxation, encourage sleep, growth and brainwave activity. Massage can also be used to reduce the discomforts of teething, colic and gas; regulate breathing and heart rate; and help develop the digestive and immune systems.

Massage also serves to comfort and provide physical reassurance, boosting self-esteem. A child’s first emotional bonds are formed through physical comfort, laying the foundation for further emotional growth and intellectual development. To efficiently manage your practice while offering these nurturing services, massage therapy clinic management software can help streamline scheduling and client records, ensuring you can focus on providing quality care. 

Pediatric Massage Training

Further training and education is required to feel fully confident providing pediatric massage. Neither standard medical training, nor massage therapy education, provides health care professionals the customized training necessary to best serve this population.

Children have different physical, emotional and developmental needs than adults, and pediatric massage therapy is designed to address these individual childhood considerations.

When Working with Children

It is imperative to establish clear boundaries and follow guidelines to ensure consistency in practice with each and every patient. When working with children you must:

• Abide by professional massage standards.
• Understand your scope of practice and always practice only within your scope.
• Adhere to all rules, guidelines, policies and protocols of any facility, hospital or family home you are visiting.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all clients and their families.